Downtown Old School Sports Bars:
Timothy O'Tooles- One of the original sports bars. They have dozens of TVs and they show all of the games, even obscure NHL games. The food is above average bar food and the drink list is good. It can be overly crowded and even have a wait to get in on weekends. The hosts are a little overzealous about IDs and seating. Corner of Ontario & Fairbanks. Website
Mother Hubbard's- Lots of TVs and games to play. A place to go downtown if you want to drink beer and watch the game with a lot of friends in a loud and somewhat dank atmosphere. Hubbard & State. Website
Jake Melnick's- Several TVs with decent sight lines. It is not a place to go to watch a game no one else wants to see like the above 2. The grub is okay, it has burgers and BBQ options. Good beer list. State & Superior. Website
Lizzy McNeill's- An Irish pub that has several TVs and shows lots of NFL games. Not for the hardcore sports fan but a locals place to sit, have a beer and watch the game. Below average food. McClurg & the Chicago River. Website
Fado- An authentic Irish Pub. The best downtown place to watch soccer. It does not have enough TVs and the sight lines are terrible. But where else are you going to go to watch Fulham v. QPR? Okay beer list and Irish eats. Grand & Clark. Website
Upscale Sports Bars:
A new trend is to make sports bars that are decorated nicely and that have gourmet food.
Sweetwater Tavern- Decorated to look like a lodge. It is nice enough to take a date, one that likes sports of course. The extensive menu has lots of good offerings. The patty melt is very tasty. The beer list is fairly strong. TVs can be seen from their large outdoor dining area. Michigan Avenue 2 blocks south of the bridge. Website
Public House- Part night club part sports bar. It has the best food and beer list, 25 on tap and 103 all total, of any of the sports bars. It is a bit of a see and be seen place. Bear's player can be seen there on occasion. State &
Kinzie. Website
Benchmark- If you look past all of the jazzed up bar food and the really nice decor it is all sports bar. It is a nice looking place that is a little clubby. On Wells south of North Ave. Website
The Rush and Division Area:
There are many places to watch games in this 2 block area. None of them does anything outstanding so it is easiest to walk around and pick a place that suits your needs.
Dublins- Good salads and real entrees. Not a lot of TVs. An older, local crowd. Website
Finn McCool's- A college town type sports bar. A good place to party and watch the game. Website
Hunt Club- A little nicer than the other places. People will be dressed better. Website
Wrigleyville Bars:
There are a ton of good places around Wrigley Field. These are covered in the Wrigleyville Guide.
Once again you can go to Addison and Clark and find a place that works for you.
Places to Watch a Game that are not Sports Bars:
Blue Agave- A Mexican place with good food and drinks. It has several TVs and it is always a good time.
Harry Caray's- The one on Navy Pier has lots of TVs, including several outside. It has interesting baseball memorabilia throughout the place.